This artical is ment to help you use your rabbit pelts and other small animal furs to their fullest value. I have used it for years with very good results! Why wast your beautiful furs when you can enjoy them all year round. It only takes a minimum of effort and you have something to enjoy as a blanket, cape, rug, ect.. Your tanned furs are very warm and make excelent winter clothes. :)
Here is a fast, easy way to tan your rabbit furs. This method works on almost any furs, large or small.
INGREDIENTS -
1 Cup Sulfuric Acid (battery acid)
2 Gallons of water
2 lbs. Salt (1-quart mason jar full to the top)
NOTE - There is no need to pick or flesh before beginning.
Mix all ingredients together in a plastic bucket with a wooden spoon. When mixing always add acid to water, never water to acid! After mixing the solution it is diluted enough to be used safely. It will cause no damage if it gets on your skin.
Get 10 - 15 rabbit furs and rinse them in cool water. With the skin side out, put them into the solution. Stir the furs so the solution gets on all of them, and the air pockets are removed. Place a plastic or wooden disk on top of the furs to keep all of them in the solution. You might need to place a brick or jug of water on top to weight it down.
Check and stir furs daily to insur an even tanning. Allow to soak for 3 - 4 days.
The ideal temperature to keep the solution is 70 degrees. At cooler temps it will take a bit longer to complete the process, but won't cause any bad problems. At higher temps the process may speed up, but very high temps will cause the furs to spoil!
When furs are ready to finish, the membrane will seperate from the skin easily. Start at the bottom of the fur and peal towards neck area. Go slowly so you won't rip the tender hide. If it doesn't come free fairly easily, return it to the solution for another day.
After membrane is removed, cut fur down tummie side with a razor blade. (Note - using scissors will cut fur so use a razor blade or exacto knife.)
Wash the split furs in mild soap and water. Squeeze out and rinse with clean water. Squeeze out water and hang furs to drip dry on close line. DO NOT put furs in direct sun. They will dry to fast and become hard. If this should happen, just rewet and return to line. Stretch furs by pulling them from top to bottom and side to side often while drying. When furs are almost dry, throw them into the dryer. DO NOT USE HEAT! Only fluff with cool air for a few minutes. After fluffing, remove and give a final stretch. Furs will be fluffy, soft, and ready to use and enjoy!
After you are done with the tanning solution, add a couple cups of baking soda to neutralize the acid. This makes it completely safe to dispose of.
I have done many furs over the years with this process with excellent results. It will work with short and long haired furs. If you don't have a lot of furs to make a batch, just collect them in the freezer in a plastic bag. They will keep for a long time that way untill you are ready to process them.
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